The 2020 REX Hospital Open Canceled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Funding for the golf tournament will be redirected to support care and services at UNC REX

RALEIGH, N.C. – April 16, 2020 – The 2020 REX Hospital Open has been canceled, in response to the evolving coronavirus pandemic. UNC REX Healthcare, which is the title sponsor of the Triangle’s premiere professional golf tournament, was in complete agreement with today’s decision by the PGA TOUR to cancel additional Korn Ferry Tour competitions.

As an organization on the front lines of the pandemic, UNC REX recognizes that our focus can’t waiver from the fight against coronavirus. The REX Hospital Open requires more than 400 volunteers every year to be successful, including many staff from UNC REX.

“The safety of our co-workers, volunteers, spectators, sponsors and community is paramount,” said Ernie Bovio, president of UNC REX. “The REX Healthcare Foundation will miss proceeds from this year’s event, but this is the right decision to make.”

The REX Hospital Open is the largest and most successful annual fundraiser for the REX Healthcare Foundation. It’s also an important stop on the PGA TOUR’s Korn Ferry Tour. This year, 156 professional golfers were scheduled to compete at The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, May 28-31.

“While it’s disappointing that the 2020 REX Hospital Open is canceled, this was a necessary precaution and we will shift our planning toward putting on a world class tournament for Raleigh to enjoy in 2021,” said Brad King, Tournament Chairman.

King is also the CEO of Stitch Golf, a Raleigh-based company that produces premium headcovers, golf bags, luggage and apparel. Stitch is a Premier Partner of the REX Hospital Open, along with First Citizens Bank, Brasfield & Gorrie and the Carolina Hurricanes. The REX Hospital Open and charity golf are a proud tradition for UNC REX, stretching back more than three decades.

The REX Healthcare Foundation last month began collecting supplies and monetary donations to help UNC REX Co-workers and patients during the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more, visit rexhealthcarefoundation.com or call 919-784-4424.